1 Stat shows exactly how Alex Caruso trade is paying dividends for Thunder

The OKC Thunder currently sit atop the fierce Western Conference, starting the season very strong.

There are several reasons for this, but one in particular revolves around newcomer Alex Caruso, who came over in a trade with the Chicago Bulls this past summer. Caruso is still trying to find his footing on offense, averaging five points on 35.6 percent field goal shooting, but the Thunder didn't trade for Caruso because of his offense. He's in OKC to play defense, and he's doing just that.

OKC Thunder guard Alex Caruso is still a masterful defender

On the season, players are shooting a mere 41-of-124 (33.1 percent) when defended by Alex Caruso. That percentage is the best in the entire league among players to defend at least 120 shot attempts. The Thunder made the trade because they wanted a two-time All-Defensive honoree to further beef up their defense, and he's done so masterfully thus far by serving as the ultimate pest.

If Alex Caruso can continue to play this brand of defense while getting a grip on his offense, mainly his outside shooting, it will make this already formidable contender all the more lethal. Individually, there's no doubt that Caruso is gunning for a third All-Defensive nod, and throughout this hot start, it'd be hard to argue that he deserves a spot.

OKC currently boasts the best defensive rating as a team in the entire NBA. Caruso has undoubtedly done his part to help in that regard, but he's also surrounded by other top-tier defenders. Players like Luguentz Dort and Chet Holmgren are also stout defenders who only help bring the best out of Caruso even further with their presence. This team is a legitimate force on the defensive end.

Between the Thunder and Bulls, the former looks like the early winner of this trade. Caruso has given the Thunder needed defense, while Josh Giddey, who was traded from OKC to Chicago for Caruso, has struggled to find his footing. Many thought Giddey might take a sizeable leap with the ball in his hands more in Chicago, but so far, that hasn't been the case by any stretch of the imagination.

By the time the season ends, people around the NBA may look back on this trade and peg it as one of the most impactful transactions from last summer, depending on how far OKC goes.

Caruso has missed the last three games due to injury, but upon returning, he will likely pick up right where he left off on defense.

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